Part of the Zooper Cruise in Pasig River is a tour around
the country's former central business district, Escolta. Through the Pasig
River Ferry system, the Escolta station is next to Plaza Mexico. We made
a stop from Polland Hopia Store which is one of the most iconic bean cake brands
in the Philippines to Sta. Cruz church. The buildings in the district are the reflection of how
rich and flourished it was since the Spanish Colonial Era until 1960s. Escolta
came from the word “escoltar” which means “to escort”. It is surrounded by
Binondo and Sta. Cruz which are also famous streets in history.
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| Escolta on 1899. Photo Credits to ViVamManila Facebook Page. |
Long time ago the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade attracted
traders from China and other countries to sell their goods and products that is
why the streets were lined with different specialty stores or various products.
Seeing a lot of black and white throwback pictures we inherited from our
ancestors, we will see how Escolta looked like back then, busy, influx of people,
cars, horses and markets.
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| Bank of the Philippine Islands former Prudential Bank, a Neo-classical style. |
Long ago, it is where the tallest buildings could be found
being the central business district of the
country in 19th century.
Among the popular buildings are the Prudential Bank that is now a branch of
Bank of the Philippine Islands, the Natividad and Burke Buildings. Buildings in
Escolta exhibits Neo-Classical, Renaissance and Beaux Art styles of
architecture that not only architecture students would appreciate but those
history geeks like me as well. Walking along the district gave me a feeling of
wonder of what was life like during those times and how it was crowded with so
much people back then. The feels were like of that when I went to visit Calle
Crisologo in Vigan City. I recommend this place to visit for those who want to appreciate
Philippine History more in line with Intramuros and Vigan City.
I would like to thank Zooper Cruise and Zoomanity Group for
the chance to tour the city. For more information please e-mail grace@tagmedia.asia or text 09166299381.
-FAF